We are devoted to the acquisition and exchange of perspectives, information, and ideas in the subjects of public sector research, collective bargaining, labor-management and employee relations.

Main menu

Post navigation

Our view: Thanks, Bob | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota

Published January 15, 2013, 12:00 AM

Our view: Thanks, Bob

He served only a short time, and courageously during some of Duluth’s darkest days, but there’s no denying the indelible mark left on the city of Duluth by former Mayor Bob Beaudin. The Lincoln Park native and longtime steelworker who earned a political science degree when he saw the demise coming of U.S. Steel in Duluth died over the weekend. He was 72.

Bob Beaudin

Bob Beaudin

More…

He served only a short time, and courageously during some of Duluth’s darkest days, but there’s no denying the indelible mark left on the city of Duluth by former Mayor Bob Beaudin. The Lincoln Park native and longtime steelworker who earned a political science degree when he saw the demise coming of U.S. Steel in Duluth died over the weekend. He was 72.

Beaudin can long be remembered for his service on the City Council from 1973 through 1975 and for his stint as mayor from 1975 through 1979.

While thousands fled Duluth for job opportunities elsewhere, Beaudin emerged as a leader, working to lay the foundation for a rebirth. He can be credited for launching and supporting efforts that led to the Holiday Center, the downtown Skywalk system, the siting of a foundry in Gary-New Duluth and even the extension of Interstate 35 through the city. Post-

politics, Beaudin led some of the early recruiting efforts to land Cirrus Aviation, helped obtain funding for a mineral research lab in Coleraine and worked tirelessly to financially support Northland entrepreneurs and small-business upstarts.

“Mayor Beaudin was a great leader who cared passionately for this community,” current Mayor Don Ness posted yesterday on his Facebook page. “Rest in peace, Bob. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Duluth.”

All Duluth can thank Beaudin one final time during visitation from

5-8 p.m. Thursday at Dougherty Funeral Home and continuing Friday from 10 a.m. until the